By Karen Stopnicki, WAS-H President

Dear WAS-H Friends,

This is the last President’s letter I will write, as my term ends at the end of May. It has been a pleasure and an honor to serve WAS-H in many ways, particularly as President for the past two years. I am proud of the increase in membership and new programs and classes we have put in place since the pandemic. The sense of community we have fostered is most especially what I am delighted with. Thank you for being a part of WAS-H and making us who we are.

Our upcoming General Meeting will be on May 5. Richard Scruggs, Urban Sketch Houston leader, will be our demo artist. He will show you what happens when Urban Sketching Goes Traveling. I am especially excited about this presentation as I want to incorporate art in my travels. Our Gallery Exhibit theme is Nature with juror Michael Bise. The Awards and Reception will follow our General Meeting. The receptions are a wonderful time to mingle with other artists and art-appreciators.

Our May Paint-In instructor is Peihong Endris on May 4, and has a few seats available. We also have a great selection of classes open for May and June, with more to come in the summer. See our full class list HERE. Classes are added all the time, so check back frequently. Registering for a class is a great way to enjoy the camaraderie of other artists and enhance your artistic skills. Our standard events such as Open Studio, Model Lab and Senior Group are going strong and welcome you to join in during the summer.

May is the last month of our fiscal year, which means we are looking to members to renew. If you have not renewed your membership for the upcoming year yet, please do so. Membership dues are a key part of our financial support. Your membership has many benefits, including a discounted member rate on classes and workshops.

Please join me in thanking the following magnificent people who have contributed so much to WAS-H this past year and are moving off the Board of Directors. Kathleen Cooper, Secretary; Janet Traylor, Treasurer; Laura McMahon, Administrative Director; Yvonne Sternes, Building Director; Kathleen Church, At Large Director; Linda Flowers, Gallery Director; Paula Fowler, Membership Director; and Nancy Moody, Volunteer Director. As well, I want to thank the rest of the Board who are continuing in the same role or in a new role. As a largely volunteer run organization, we could not be able to offer everything we do without those who contribute their time and energy to WAS-H.

Beginning in June, you will see new officers at WAS-H. Our organization is in great hands under the leadership of incoming President, Donna Van Fleet. She has a vibrant energy and will bring good things to WAS-H. Eileen Graves is our new Secretary, Bill Price is our new Treasurer, and Kelly Medrano and Larry Spitzberg will serve as Co-Vice Presidents. We really have a fabulous incoming team, and I can’t wait to see where they take WAS-H.

I hope you will join with everything going on at WAS-H – thank you for being a part of our arts community!

Warm Regards,

Karen Houston Stopnicki

WAS-H President